‘Issakaba’ Returns to Cinemas 25 Years After Original Film
Iyke Bede Twenty-five years after its debut, Nollywood action classic ‘Issakaba’ is set to return to the big screen with a fifth instalment in the franchise, ‘Issakaba: The Return’, bringing
Twenty-five years after its original release, the Nollywood action film 'Issakaba' is returning to theaters with a fifth installment titled 'Issakaba: The Return'. Some of the original cast members are set to reprise their roles, including veteran actor Sam Dede who plays the character Ebube in the new film. Additional members of the original cast such as Chiwetalu Agu and others who played minor roles in the 2001 version will also be part of the new production.
The basis for the new film comes from events surrounding the Bakassi Boys, who confronted criminal elements in parts of south-eastern Nigeria. Distributed by Blue Pictures, the latest installment introduces a new generation of actors including Chidi Mokeme, known for playing formidable villains, and other actors like Iyabo Ojo, Regina Daniels, Alex Osifo, Charles Okafor and Nosa Rex.
Directed by Lancelot Imasuen, who also directed the original, the film takes the story from the viewpoint of contemporary Nigeria in 2026. Imasuen explains that the return is not just a nostalgia trip, but a way to reflect the changing societal dynamics, including new forms of crime, technology, security challenges and fears. The filmmaker aims to address what has been learned over the past 25 years about keeping people safe in Nigeria.
'Issakaba: The Return' is slated to open nationwide on November 13, 2026.
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